EUCARNIL ® Levocarnitina

EUCARNIL ® is a drug based on Levocarnitina

THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Gastro-intestinal tract drugs and metabolism - Agonist of mitochondrial function.

IndicationsAction mechanismStudies and clinical effectiveness Usage and dosage instructionsWarnings Pregnancy and lactationInteractionsContraindicationsUndesirable effects

Indications EUCARNIL ® Levocarnitina

EUCARNIL ® is indicated in the prophylaxis and treatment of primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies.

Mechanism of action EUCARNIL ® Levocarnitina

EUCARNIL ® is a drug based on L-Carnitine, a molecule of amino acid derivation, particularly important from a metabolic and energetic point of view, given its capacity to guarantee the transport of long chain fatty acids, to be allocated to the beta oxidation process, from cell cytoplasm towards the mitochondrial matrix, site of this catabolic process.

The aforementioned metabolic pathway, crucial in the cardiac and muscular energy network, is seriously compromised in some serious pathologies, generally chronic and degenerative, in which carnitine deficiency inevitably affects both the energy and functional yield of the tissue and the metabolic fate of the fatty acids, the accumulation of which could be potentially toxic to the human body.

Recent studies have also attributed to carnitine a new biological role, the antioxidant one, important in preserving muscle and heart fibers from degeneration induced by reactive oxygen species.

From the pharmacokinetic point of view, instead, the oral intake of carnitine, despite seriously compromised by the intestinal catabolism exercised by the resident flora, guarantees a bioavailability of 10 - 20% of the total dose taken, which, although minimal, is able to reconstitute the depleted reserves.

Studies carried out and clinical efficacy

1. THE ROLE OF CARNITINE IN PATIENTS WITH HEPATITIS C

World J Gastroenterol. 2011 Oct 21; 17 (39): 4414-20.

Levocarnitine proved effective in modulating erythropoiesis, leucopoiesis and thrombocytopoiesis in this study, significantly improving the hematological picture of patients with hepatitis C and undergoing simultaneous therapy with alpha interferon. All this could support the benefits of therapy, allowing the maintenance of a sustained virological response.

2. CARNITINE AS AN ANTI-INFLAMMATORY IN DIALIZED PATIENTS

Saudi J Kidney Dis Transpl. 2011 Nov; 22 (6): 1155-9.

Interesting study that demonstrates the beneficial effects of carnitine treatment in patients undergoing hemodialysis, in reducing the perennial inflammatory state that is observed under these conditions, monitored through the evaluation of blood concentrations of reactive C protein.

3. THE ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS OF CARNITINE

Cell Mol Neurobiol. 2012 Jan; 32 (1): 77-82. Epub 2011 Jul 22.

Study that evaluates the antioxidant effects of carnitine in patients with inherited metabolism disorders. The concentrations of catabolites and markers of oxidative damage in the urine of patients suffering from these disorders tend to decrease significantly following supplementation with carnitine, protecting the body from further pathological manifestations on an oxidative basis.

Method of use and dosage

EUCARNIL ®

Single-dose vials for oral use with 1 g of L-carnitine.

The dosages indicated in the treatment of carnitine deficiencies vary according to the age, weight and clinical characteristics of the patient.

Although the dosing schedule should be defined by your doctor, in general it is recommended in adults to take 2-4 grams daily, possibly divided into several administrations.

The dosage varies considerably in pediatric patients, where in any case the supervision of the pediatrician would be necessary.

Warnings EUCARNIL ® Levocarnitina

The ability of carnitine to optimize glucose uptake and consumption could alter the glucose metabolic profile in diabetic patients undergoing hypoglycemic therapy, thereby increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.

The same treatment should be reserved for patients with kidney diseases, in which the altered excretion of this molecule could facilitate the accumulation of toxic catabolites.

PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING

The intake of EUCARNIL ® could also take place during pregnancy or in the subsequent period of breastfeeding, provided that this is supervised by your doctor.

Interactions

Carnitine intake is safe from a pharmacokinetic point of view, given the absence of potentially dangerous drug interactions.

Contraindications EUCARNIL ® Levocarnitina

The use of EUCARNIL ® is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to the active substance or to one of its excipients.

Undesirable effects - Side effects

Although carnitine intake is generally well tolerated, in some cases, especially in the presence of high doses, gastro-intestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain may occur.

Only in rare cases neurological disorders characterized by headache, insomnia, restlessness and convulsions were observed in the most serious cases.